Department Christmas Lunch

[StaciMM]

Went out to lunch today with everyone in our department (7 total). We had put together to get a gift for our manager, and she had gotten something for each of us. We also did a small exchange where we drew #'s.

Well, my manager last week had us each make a 'wish list' and email it to her. Today, she gave each of us 2 bags. Made a little speech, and then said something about having gotten everyone everything that was on their list. Opened the first bag-we each had a little photo album, on the front was a copy of our list w/ everything checked off. On the inside-pictures of the items on our list! It was hilarious.

Now, there are 2 1/2 hours left in the day and no one wants to work...

[Minnymouth]

What a neat idea!!! The photo album with pics of what you wanted.....

We had our office party today also..... we did the # thing on gifts and you could take someone else's if you didn't like the one you picked. We always have a blast doing this each year...

My exchange gift I got was Garth Brooks Limited CD Collection of 6 CD's - NICE - really enjoying it..... One of the girls wanted it real bad - but wouldn't take it - so she made copies (did I say that??)....

We all have a Christmas Party or New Years Party at my house each year. Husbands, wives come, etc..... Have done this for 10 years now. They say my house is the best place - can make all the noise they want and I have the kaeroke machine and the best music. (Surely, its not because of the "wet bar" - DUH)...... YEP, YEP, but everybody brings thier own brew...... and we all bring snacks....

My "girls" love it when they all come over..... they steal food off plates and get lots of lovin time in.......

House policy - nobody is allowed to get loaded and drive....they have to spend the nite or have someone whose sober drive them home..... NO EXCEPTIONS....... MY HOUSE - MY RULES...........

We all get together, have a blast, no problems, or arguments. Two of my neighbors are in bands so we end up having a jam session late at nite...... (it pays to invite the neighbors too).... that way you don't distrub anybody locally.....

So right now looks like Friday the 23rd is our get together nite at my house..... everybody is looking forward too it, cause this year "it almost didn't happen".......

I love Christmas, the mean of it, the sharing with friends, neighbors, and family....

Really - I'm just a kid at heart - always will be...

[sunshine08]

So Staci, How does permanent feel??? Hope all is going well. I really got a good laugh about "your" gift. It is a great idea. I will remember that and thanks for sharing that with us.

[StaciMM]

It feels good, thanks for asking! (Its nice to know that I'll be paid for the hoidays, rather than having 3 short paychecks in a row!)

[sunshine08]

I have worked for the government for over 17 years now, mainly because of what I thought was job security. I now feel that term will go the way of the buffalo. We have sick times, vacation, etc. Now we also have a "thing" called bonus vacation, ie in lieu of a raise. (what is a raise anyway, need to look that up in ole Websters').
This year, I will actually roll over vacation time to sick time because we are only allowed to "bank" so many hours.
If you saw my W-2 you would wonder why I even still work for the state, I am seriously thinking of venturing back out to look and see what may be available.
--Still love the gift idea--- I have a one track mind in case you can't tell.
Before I worked for the government, I got paid by the hour, no work, no money.

[StaciMM]

It was hilarious! I knew something was up, because the things I put on my wish list would NOT fit in that bag! And one of my coworkers decided to make a true wish list... The things you'd want and never expect to get. (Well, I wouldn't want the things on her list. Her items were $200-300 each.)

She did give us real gifts also... Watch & bracelet sets. Nice, though I don't usually wear any jewelry other than my wedding ring!